Market After Dark is returning for its ninth year, as the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market’s 2024 season nears its end. There will be more than 125 market vendors offering their wares at the four-and-an-half-hour event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“This festive event is known for its unique atmosphere where patrons 21 years and older can take part in an open-container environment within the designated market area,” the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance (CRMEA), which runs the city’s Downtown Farmers Market, said in a news release. “Beer and wine will be sold at various locations in disposable Market After Dark cups until 10:30 p.m.”
The market will be located along 2nd Avenue SE, 3rd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE between 2nd Street SE and 5th Street SE.
As in previous years, there will be live music, with bands performing on three stages located around the market. New this year will be a craft beer tent “that will serve select beers and wine unavailable at the other six beer tent locations.” Water and soft drinks will also be available at the market. Away from the 21-and-over beer tents will be family friendly attractions “including lighted ballerinas, face painting, DJ Lady J with Z102.9, and yard games,” according to CRMEA.
Pets are prohibited at Market After Dark, unless they are service animals. Coolers, outside beverages, chairs and smoking are also prohibited.
The annual Market After Dark is one of Cedar Rapids’ biggest free outdoor events each year.
“We look forward to this event every year as it supports local businesses, entrepreneurs and our surrounding communities,” CRMEA Executive Director Doug Neumann said in the news release.
After Saturday night’s special session of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market, there will be one more market session this year on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7:30 to noon.
